Camus Cross

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Camus Cross

The Camus Cross, also called the Camuston or Camustane Cross, is an old standing stone from early medieval Scotland. It sits in Camuston Wood near Carnoustie, Angus.

What it is
- A freestanding cross carved on Old Red Sandstone, about 2 metres tall.
- It stands on a low mound in the middle of a 1-kilometre avenue through Camuston Wood, which runs to the road and the site of Panmure House.
- The cross has weathered sides and faces all carved. The west face shows three panels: the top panel has a crucifixion scene, the middle panel shows a centaur with a bow, and the bottom panel has a floral design. The eastern face is usually seen as Christ with angels and the four evangelists.
- The north and south edges have leafy, plant-like patterns.

Age and style
- The cross dates from the 10th century and shows Irish-influenced art, common in the area at the time.
- It is a Class III cross, a type of old freestanding cross that is now fairly rare in Eastern Scotland.
- It has no Pictish symbols.

History and legends
- The first written record about Camus Cross is from 1481, describing the boundary between Camuston and the barony of Downie.
- In 1620, Robert Maule moved the cross a little to centre it within the Camuston Wood avenue.
- Local legend, popular since the 16th century, says Camus led a Norse army and was killed here after the Battle of Barry. Modern historians say this battle story isn’t historically true.
- The name Camus Cross likely comes from the village of Camuston, which no longer exists. Earlier maps place Camuston nearby, and the name has Celtic roots.

Nearby and significance
- The cross is part of a long avenue in Panmure Estate and is near the road to Carnoustie.
- In 1598 a burial near the cross was once thought to be Camus’s grave; Bronze Age goods found nearby were later kept at Brechin Castle.

Status
- Camus Cross is a scheduled monument, designated on 16 November 1923 (SM148).